On June 1, 2021, Marjorie Ann Short (Sinnott), was called home to the Lord after a short battle with cancer. She was born October 13, 1929, in Missoula, MT to Louie and Eva Erickson. She was later adopted by Eva’s second husband, John Sinnott and was raised in Bonner, MT where she learned to swim in the Blackfoot River.
She graduated from Missoula County High School and then attended The University of Montana (previously MSU) and was a Delta Gamma Sorority Sister. While in college she met and fell in love with Don Short. They married and moved to Great Falls in 1950 where they raised three children, Steven, Gary and Barb.
In Great Falls, Marge was secretary to Republican Congressman, James Battin and was given the Donald G. Nutter award for her service to the Republican party. She later worked as secretary for the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation. She was an active member of PEO, Junior League and Community Concert.
In 1982 she and Don moved to Helena where she was the secretary at St. Peter’s Cathedral until she retired in 1990. She was involved in various bridge clubs and hosting Musikanten Montana singers and continued her involvement in PEO. She enjoyed working at the Bargain Basement and being involved in many church activities.
She was blessed in being able to enjoy camping, cross country skiing, traveling the world, playing cards and hosting many, many friends in her home over the years. Her favorite activity was being with her friends and family. She never met a person she did not immediately welcome with open arms and consider a friend. She was the epitome of the saying, “Hostess with the Mostess”. She loved cooking and trying new recipes and often would prepare a new dish and share it with her children, although not at the same time and if one set of children did not enjoy the dish, she would try it on the next set of children the next night.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Louie Erickson and Eva Sinnott, her stepfather, John Sinnott, her brother, Vernard Erickson and her husband, Don Short.
She is survived by her children, Steven (Candice) Short, Gary (Dana) Short and Barb (Tyler) Gleason, her grandchildren, Andrew “AJ” Short and Megan (Jake) Bernhardt and twin great-grandson’s, Krue and Brooks Bernhardt and her constant companion (cat), Jasmine.
She will be extremely missed by all her family who loved her more than can be expressed, as she was truly our best friend. We will miss her weekly calls for assistance with her television or computer.
Services will be held on Sunday, June 6, 2021, at 2:00 pm at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 511 N Park Ave. For anyone who is unable to attend, you may watch the service on Live Stream at spchelena.org. Look for “electronic attendance” button, and then for the “Special Services.” You will then be directed to the church’s facebook page where you can search for “Live from Mevo.”
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children Hospital @ stjude.org
Vickie Rauser says
Holding Marge’s family and friends in sympathy and prayer. I always enjoyed seeing her at church and Community Concert / Live! at the Civic performances.
The Delaney Family says
Barb and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a sweetheart. Please accept our prayers for you and your family.
Jody Whittle says
Marge was such a special, caring and generous friend. How very fortunate I feel to have shared so many wonderful conversations and adventures with her throughout the years. She will always be in my heart.
OLIVE ELIZABETH STENLUND says
Marge was my dear cousin. We lived next door to her in Great Falls before she and Don move to Helena.We had some very good times together. We were planning to meet for lunch, but now we will met in a higher place. Marge you will be missed.
Sherry Anderson says
Marge was very dear to our family. Wayne and Sherry Anderson and Scott and Todd Davis, send our deepest sympathies to her family. Our family and Don, Marge, and all the kids spent many times together enjoying fishing, crabbing, and clam digging on the Oregon coast. So much laughter and joy!! We will deeply miss her, but she is now rejoicing in heaven with her beloved Don and so many other loved ones that have gone on before her.
Ken Dunham & Janelle Fallan says
Marge and Don were among those we truly enjoyed knowing in our days in Helena. From church events to outdoor dinners at their home, it was all fun. Our prayers to all of the family.
Dee Jay & Kerry Cravatta says
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Short family for your loss. We are so glad to have been two of Marge’s many friends. Our memories of being welcomed into Marge’s home, playing cards, afternoons together shopping and preparing meals, and going on multi-day road trips will be with us forever. We will miss Marge’s wit, story-telling, love, and impish humour. Thank you Marge for being a wonderful example of living a life filled with joy.
Concetta Eckel says
So enjoyed Marge in so many ways. She was a true lady and had a remarkable zest for life. I will miss her.
Patty Keith says
Barb – I’m so sorry. Your Mom was always a kind and gentle soul who tolerated some shenanigans from us in elementary school. You were raised by a wonderful woman and that’s how she will be remembered by so many. My condolences and prayers for your family.
Theresa (Nash) McCune says
Barb and family,
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Although she led a long and fulfilling life, it’s still so very difficult to lose someone as special as your mom. Thinking of you and remembering you in my prayers.
God bless and take care!
BJ Manos says
To the sweetest neighbor anyone could have ever had. When we moved here Marge was amazing. She made everyone feel welcome. The best thing I ever did was connect her with Jasmine. It was love at first sight. No one will every be able to replace Marge. We feel blessed to have known her. We always knew how proud she was of her kids & her grandkids. We wish you peace.
Sandra Goff says
Dear Short Family,
Your parents have always been part of the Goff memories due to the closeness of them with Bill and Loraine Roberts, my husband Bob’s Uncle and Aunt. After his death I was with Loraine a LOT and your Mom came just before Loraine was moved to Spokane, for a lunch of Butte type pasties with Loraine and me. Those two go back to early days of marriage and had so many memories. What a beautiful friendship it was and it included you kids also as Loraine reported to me after you brought her to your Moms for a holiday or two. God bless you as you grieve a truly wondrous woman